Feel the burn: Fitness on the Field is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Cold temperatures and high winds did not halt Atlanteans from completely filling up the inside field at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a popular health and wellness program Jan. 6-7.

The Home Depot Backyard (HDBY) kicked off its 2025 health and wellness programming with Fitness on the Field inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where guests were featured in a total of six sessions across two days, which highlighted some of Atlanta’s top health and wellness experts.

The three sessions on Jan. 6 featured Enervibes Dance Fit led by Taneisha ‘Tani’ Gordon, which was a Zumba dance experience that mixed melodies of different sounds including Soca, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Latin Rhythms, and more.

Trap Boxing led by Starr Boxing was a high-energy group workout for all fitness levels mixing unique rhythm-based boxing routines.

Maxx Out Fitness led by Darrell “DP” Patterson, had a combination of exercises including cardiovascular, strength, and endurance moves combined to provide a full-body workout experience.

On Jan. 7, a trio of 45-minute sessions, including Body Blast led by DJ Bostick, followed by Royal Physique Bootcamp, and Hip-Hop Yoga led by HDBY veteran instructors Lah King and Jaimee Ratliff, respectively.

Participants and friends Octavia Hall and Timiya Abram said they have been to the event every year since its start in 2020. They also both said they were feeling pumped after the first session and were ready for the second.

“I’m glad I came, even though it’s cold outside, but it’s always a good time whenever I come and the first class was a great start,” Hall said. It’s a lot better than last year because they made it more spacious, have better visuals, and it’s a little more organized, no shade.”

“I’m feeling good right now and having a ball,” Abram said. “If you want to start doing more stuff by yourself, this is an exciting place to come. Everyone is friendly and there’s no judgement here, it’s a vibe.”

This year’s event featured a new partnership with Actively Black, a Black-owned athleisure wear brand, which serves as presenting partner for Fitness on the Field through 2026. 

Founder of Actively Black Lanny Smith said it’s an incredible opportunity to be partnering for Fitness on the Field, especially being in Atlanta, one of their top markets with a substantial percentage of supporters.

Actively Black’s purpose, he said, is to uplift and reinvest into the Black community.

“We had an incredible opportunity to be the sponsor of the Fitness on the Field event here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of our mission to get the Black community more active,” he said. “It’s only right for us to be here activating in the city, getting people to come out, and being active especially starting the new year.”

When Smith walked onto the field and saw the entire football field covered with people, he said it felt surreal. “To have this type of turnout, it’s a beautiful thing to see whether they’re continuing their journey or starting,” he said.

Bianca Winslow, co-founder of Actively Black, said black communities are disproportionately affected by preventable health issues tied to nutrition and physical activity; Issues that stem from the lack of access to healthy food, safe green spaces, and athletic programs.

“As a former D1 basketball player, daily exercise has always been key to maintaining both my physical and mental well-being,” she said. “At Actively Black, our mission goes beyond raising awareness; we are committed to actively empowering our communities by creating opportunities and providing resources that drive real change.”

Atlanta, Winslow said, is one of their biggest markets and home to some of their most loyal supporters.

“Partnering with The Home Depot Backyard to kick off 2025 with Fitness on the Field is a significant step toward our shared goal of building healthier, stronger Black communities globally,” she said.

Erika Arms, director of the Home Depot Backyard, said the partnership reflects their shared missions to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds through health and wellness.

“We are thrilled to partner with Actively Black, a brand that shares our dedication to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and community,” Arms said. “We’re excited to showcase this unique collaboration during one of our signature events, Fitness on the Field.”

Instructor at Starr Boxing, Mike Starr said he was nervous about his trap boxing class yet blessed as this is his dream. Starr has been instructing glow-in-the-dark trap boxing classes for the last six years as well.

“It’s a lot of things going on, emotionally, but this is my dream, and to do my class here at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a blessing,” he said. “They’ve been doing this for a couple of years, and I’ve always wanted to be one of the instructors, so this is a moment I prayed for and I’m glad God gave me this opportunity.”

Additionally, he said he hopes participants are open about learning boxing.

“It’s an opening for most people who may think boxing is a little aggressive or intimidating, so this is an intro class that can make you take a real boxing class and learn the real techniques,” he said.

As far as advice to anyone who struggles to stay motivated for their fitness journey, Smith says to not fall in the trap of comparing yourself to others that you may see on social media and thinking those results come overnight.

“Know that it’s a journey and it’s about being fit,” Smith said. “Being in shape is a result of the small steps you’re taking every single day, so fall in love with the process and the results will come.”

For more information about Fitness on the Field and The Home Depot Backyard, visit thehomedepotbackyard.com or follow @thdbackyard on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok.

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